Semiautomatic plate casting and finishing machine



C. E. HOPKINS. SEMIAUTOMAIIC PLATE CASTING AND FINISHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. I1, 1916- RENEWED MAR. 21,1922.

Patented. Oct. 31, 1922 6 SHEETS-SHEET l- Q QN m C, IE. HOPKINS.

SEMIAUTOMATIC PLATE CASTING AND FINISHING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED DEC- II. 1916. RENEWED MAR. 21. I922.

1,433,549. Patented Oct. 31, 1922.

I% 6 SHEETS-SHEET 2- C. E- HOPKINS.

SEMIAUTOMATIC PL-ATE CASTING AND FINISHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION EILED DE C. 1.1., 1916- RENEWED MAR. 2|.1922. 1,433,549, Patented Oct. 31, 1922.

Q4 6 SHEETS-SHEET 3- Q I m M \I 2% I Q 2 g C. E. HOPKINS. SEMIAUTOMATIC PLATE CASTING AND FI NISHING MACHINE. :0 MAR. 21, 1922.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. II 1916. RENEW 1,483,549.

Patented Oct. 31, 1922.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

C. E. HOPKINS. SEMIAUTOMATIC PLATE CASTING AND FINISHING MACHINE,

z 7 APPLICATION FILED DEC- H, 19I6 RENEWED MAR. 2!,1922. 7 1,433,549.

Patented Oct. 31, 1922.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5- C. E. HOPKINS. SEMIAUTOMATIC PLATE CASTING AND nmsmme MACHINE.

2| 1922. Patented Oct. 31, 1922. v

APPLICATION FILED DEC-I1. 1916- RENEWED MAR. 1,483,549;

mwy/Aglf Patented @c't. 3i, i922,

CHARLES E. HOPKINS, OF PLAINZEIELD, NETT JERSEY.

snMiAU'roMA'r c PLATE oas'rrne AND FINISHING MACHINE Application filed December 11,

To all whom it may] concern:

Be it known that T, Crmnnns E. l'lornms, a citizen of the United States. residing at .l l-ainfield in the countyofllnion and State of New Jersey, have invented a new and'usci'iul Improved Semiautomatic Plate (lasting; and Finishing Machine, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to the manufacture of stereotype plates for use in printing imachines. The principal oloject of it is to provide a machine of ,a simple and extremely reliableconstruction especially designed for newspaper plants having small circulation that do not require a full automatic machine. This machine is designed to be operated by one man. It contains many new features. The mechanism is arranged so that the operator can stand at the side of the machine to position the matrix, ber, operate the pump to make a cast. open the casting chamber and withdraw the cast plate, strip the matrix from the cast plate. inspect the plate. thereafter push the plate over guideways andfalignit with theiinishing tools, and then start the .linishing mechanism, after the COllllflBtlOItOf which the opcrator draws the finished plate back over the gyuideways and removes it from the machine by hand. v i

The concave hack isprovided '\vi, th.ineant-i for supporting and positioning .a pouring sheet and for causing the end of said sheet to move from between themargin oi. the matrix and the stereotype plate cast in the box, and thereafter separate from the steretype plate by the movementof the parts in opening the box. It is caused to travel along with the plate duringthe firstypart of the movement of: then to expand and be released from it.

The invention involves means at the bottom of the straight sides of the .back for pivoting- .a bottom closing ring and means on the concave back for positioning said ring. The-back is also provided with flexible means at the lower end "tor-temporarily holding the matrix until the casting chamber is closed. i

Horizontal rails are provided for supporting the core inv the front of the back, and a rock-arm .for guiding the core through 191e, Serial n. 136,191. Renewed March 21, .1922.

close .the casting chamthe plate out 01" the hon. and

. same 11621.1

Serial No. 5425.56

a certain motion into position within the back. Another improvement consists in the means carried by the core for moving and thereafter operating a device forlocking the core in positionwithin the back Projecting arms are carried with the core for moving the pouring sheet-into position "within the back, clamping the bolster packing strips against the straight sides of the loack -and properly positioning the core within the back. The right end portion of the core is provided with projecting ledges at its straight sides for forming co-acting recesses and stops are located in the guideways for engaging in these'recesses, and for positioning the plates relative tothe finishing tools when the plate is removed from the core.-

Reference is tobe had to the accompanying drawings which show apreferred form of this invention and in which- Fig. 1 is a plan of a complete machine with the core in position for delivering and thepouring sheet drawn forward out of the Fig. 2 is'a plan of the machine with the core in casting positiointhe finishing arch and gear covers being removed to show the mechanism below;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the machine showing the core turned partly out of the backsti-ll resting onthe bottom rin and the casting entirely withdrawn fronrthe pouring sheet, the finishing mechanism "being shown partly in section to illustrate the interior thereof; I

Fig. 4 is a side elevationof the machine showing the core in central longitudinal section andalso showing a part oi the back in section to show the interior construction. 1,

is an enlarged view similar .to a part of l showing the bottom of the casting box in section and illustrating .the operation of .the matrix-holding catch.

Fig. '6 is a horizontal sectional view oi: the

rary matrix-holding catch inplan;

Fig. l is a sectional view on the line 7-7 v of 4; showing how the plate is separated from the core while in horizontal position;

Fig. 8'is atranverse sectional view on the line 8 8 of. Fig. 1. showing the casting; mechanism in front elevation with the parts thebottorn, showing the tempoin the same position as in Fig. 1, except that the matrix is in positon and the pouring sheet is pushed back to overlap its upper edge and hold it in place;

Fig. 9 is a similar sectional view but showing the casting mechanism including the core in closed position;

Fig. 10 is a transverse sectional view of the closed mold with the cast plate therein;

Fig. 11 is a similar view showing the parts in the position taken when the core is moved partly out of the back;

Fig. 12 is a-similar view showing how a bolster strip is held in place and the matrix forced back into casting position;

Fig. 13 is a front end view of the ma chine; i v

Fig. 14 is a face view of thevcarn for controlling the periodic stopping of the finishinc; mechanism; 7

*ig. 15 is a bottom plan view thereof, and

Fig. 16 is an end view of the same. i

The machine is shown supported between side frames A and B, and cross frames C and D. p The casting back 10 is fixed in a vertical position between the side frames, at the rear end with its concavity facing toward the front end.

Each straight side of the back is provided with a vertical recess 11, in portion of which is pivotally located a bolster packing strip 12 vhich is provided with an extending lip 13. which protrudes slightly within the radius of the backs concavity. These bolster packing strips are held in positionfso that they can rock by pins 1414. extending into slotted holes in the said strip. The bolster packing strips are held flat against the straight sides of the back by. matrix positioning fingers'2020 sliding in angular slideways made on the sides of the back. (See Fig. 11). Y Y

Fast to the lower end of the vertically disposedback 10 is a. half ring 16. The concavity of this half ring is made slightly smaller than'the concavity of the back, the difference forminga narrow ledge 17 (see Fig. 1) upon which a pivoted bottom ring 18 seats itself, as hereafter described. [This narrow ledge 17 not only forms a seat for the casting chamber bottom. member or ring 18, but acts as a means for supporting and positioning a matrix M, and hold it up in casting position.

' To prevent the matrix from slipping off the ledge 1'? there is provided a spring actuated catch 19. In operation the edge of the flat margin of the matrix M is pushed down between the concavity of the back and this latch 19. lVhen the casting chamier is closed, as hereafter described, the ring; 18 swings over on the ledge 17, during which movement the ring engages the top ofthc latch 19 and pushes it down out of the way,

matrix. M is whereupon the margin of the held between the face of the back and the aforesaid bottom ring 18. v

The two slide fingers 20-2O constitute means for holding the matrix M in curved position against the concave back. These are located one at each straight side of the backs concavity, and about midway of its length. These fingers 2O operate in angular slideways 27 formed on the straight sides of the back, so when advanced by hand within the radius of the backs concavity they overlap the matrix margins and force them inwardly until the matrix sets back against the concave surface of the back. (See Fig. 1). i

The upper margin of the matrix M is held in curved position. by a thin flexible metal pouring sheet 21; mounted on a cross rod 22, which operates incamways formed. in brackets 2323 fast on the top end of the back 10. I

Having described the constructionof the back unit I will now explain the construction of the core unit. As is shown in several of my former inventions the-core is supported in front of the backs concavity, normally in horizontal position, and provided with means so it can be moved from its horizontal to a vertical position and within the backs concavity. Inthis case the core is supported by a cross yoke 31 at each end of which mounted a roller 32, operating along tracks 29 on the top edges of the side frames and B.

' The core is caused to turn from a horizontal to a vertical position while being ad vanced ,toward the back, by a turning or rock arm 33, one end of which is pivoted in a bracket 34,.fast to the 'rear end of the core, and the opposite end of which is pivoted on a cross stay 35, fast between the side frames. The turning operation continues until a seat 36 formed on the rock arm 33 engages on top of across stay .37, likewise fast between the side frames. When the core reaches this position (shown in Fig. 3) its end enters and seats itself within the bottom ring 18. pivotal movement is made about tl e core rock arm pivot pin 38 and the pivots of the bottom ring 18. During this motion the hot- And the balance of the tom ring 18 swings down to a'horizontal po- I ition.

The complete operation of turning tl e core from a horizontal to a. vertical position is: done through a handle 40, but on the reverse operation the core is causedto start to rock to the position shown in F ig. t by the operator pushing down onbthe foot pedal 41, which is fast on a rock shaft 912, upon which is fixed one end of a rock lever to the loose endof which is attached one. end of i'ertically disposed connecting rod the opposite end of which connects aforesaid bottom rmglS. The pedal 4:]. acts with the ing the iaeaeae as a counter balance to lift the bottom ring when the weight of the core is removed from it.

Having described the construction of the back and means for supporting and operat ing the core I will now explain the mechzv nism for locking both matrix and core in casting position.

is stated the core is su n iorted by ayoke 31. To this yoke is fixed a pair of longitudinal brackets 50 to which the co is at tachcd by a series of space studs. lovable between the core 30 and the brackets 50, are the matrix holding and core locking bars l-5l. These'bars are caused to more out beyond the convex face of thee-ore so that a protruding lip enters the recess ii. formed along the strr-iight sides of the backs concavity. and over the bolster packing ips 12. In this position the straight margins of the matrix M are enga ge b It.. 2'51 the slight projection l3 on the bolster ing strip and the side edge of the ba Fig. In this position the inner ices of the bars 51 form the straight side walls of the casting ehainljier. The core is locked in casting position within the concavity of the back and the straight side ma gins of the matrix are held.

The means for operating the casting bars 51 consists of a pair of rock arms 53 and 55 connected by fiat bars or slides 55-55, which operate in slideways 236 formed in the rear side of the casting bars. An operating handle attached to the rock arm 53 serves as a means for operating the clamping and locking bars as more fully explained hereafter. i

Having describedthe matrix and core locking means, well as the means for positioning the matrix in the baclcl will now explain how the pouring sheet is positioned and thereafter separated from the casting plate.

The pouring sheet 21 is made of thin sheet metal and curved to fit the backs concavity. The purpose of the cam slots in the brackets 23 is to cause the pouring sheet to lift upward, and withdraw its lower edge from beneath the matrix margin as the core, with a plate cast thereon, is rocked from a vertical position to the tilted position shown in Fig. 4:.

The pouring sheet forced to travel with the cast plate by longitudinal bars 2a, 24 which are attached to its concave face near each straight side. imbedding in the riser portion of the stereotype plate at each casting thereof, see Figs". 2 and 3.

These bars release themselves by spreadpouring sheet when it reaches the position shown in Fig. 3, or when the pouring sheet is forced free from the cast by the lVhen the core is and the seat 36 on the'rock crossrod reaching the end of the cam slots in brackets 23, in which position the pouring sheet is held at the released angle by stops 23 formed on the brackets 23.

Operation, closing the bow.

After the operator positions a matrix in the back, he grasps the core operating handle 40, lifting up and at the same time toward the back which act causes the core to rock toward andinto the backs concavity, during which the projecting core positioning stops 57 formed on the core brackets engage the straight sides or edges of the pouring sheet 21 causing it to move along in front of the core and into castingposition, whereupon the aforesaid stops come up against the upper ends of the. bolster packing strips 12 and force them solidly against the back.

The operation of locking the core within the backs concavity is accomplished by elevating the core rock handle 40 as follows: horizontal the operator grasps the'handle 4.0, lifting upward and toward the back. This causes the core to roll forward on its tracks during which the rock arm 33 causes the core to rock toward a vertical position, shown in Fig. 4, at which position the lower end of thecor seats itself in the pivoted bottom ring 18 arm'33 comes to rest on the cross rod37. From this point the core turning takes place through the rock arm pivot 38 located at the bottom of the core.

During the rocking of the core about the pivot 38 the shank of a handle locking spring latch 58 attached to the yokeSl engages against a stop 59, mounted at one side of the back. This forces the curved end of the spring latch out of engagement with the handle 40 and releases same. i vhereupon the operator pushes the handle upward, this turns the rock levers and 54:, which operate the matrix holding and core locking slide bars, and force the bars out from the sides of the core and into engagement with the back as heretofore explained. (See Fig. 9).

Delivering the plate.

Then a cast has been made the operator pulls down on the handle 40 thereby withdrawing the matrix holding and core looking bars 51 from engagement with the back.

The operator then steps on the foot pedal 41, and at the same time pulls frontward on the handle 40. This causes the core to rock out of the back into the position shown in Fig. 3, during which rocking'the rod 22 attached to the pouring sheet 21 travels along the cam grooves in brackets 23. Owing to the angle of the cam groove the rod first moves a short way in line" with the core curi' ature, then gradually draws the pouring sheet upward so its lower end withdraws llfi from beneath the upper flat margin of the matrix M, whereupon the rod 22 reaching the end of the cam slots thevpouring sheet stops advancing and opens out itscurvature sufficient to allow the bars 2424 to free themselves from the depressions they have formed-in the riser portion of the cast plate. (See Fig.3).

The operator continuing to pull forward and downward on the handle l0. the core turns out, of the back andtowardthe hori- Zontal position during which movement the plate lifters -60 located one on eachside of the core and operating along studs fast in the core brackets 50, come into contact with the top of a cross barfil, fast between the side frames A and B. This is so located that the core nears its horizontal position the bar forces the plate lifters up into engagement beneath the straight edges of the stereotype plate P, cast on the core, and then pushes the plate upward; and free fromthe convex face of the core, thehorizontal position aligns the'plate with guideways 62 and 62; The operator then removes the matrix M from the type face of the cast plate and pushes the cast plate along the platelifters toward andonto the said guideways62 and 62, and into position to be finished. I

Positioning the cast plate longitudinally with respect to the finishing tools is done by forming recesses in the straight'sides of each cast plate and locating corresponding stops. l1 or this purpose two projecting bars are located one at each sideof the core, which form corresponding recesses 68 at each straight edge. and beneath the riser portion. of the curved plate P. /Vhen the curved plate is pushed off the plate lifter and along the guide ways tile-62 the recesses engage against stops 64. fast on the guidewa-ys, which positions the plate lon. .;itudinally with respect to the finishing tools.

Finishing.

Themeans shown for finishing the stereotype plate, by separating the riser from the type face portion of the cast, heveling the curved edge from whence the riser was removed, and shaving the interiorrilos consists of. a revolving shaving knife and a bevelling tool located upon the knifelcarrier, and a circular saw fast on a spindle which operates iu bearings formed at one side of the knife carrier.

The rotary shaving knife carrier YOis mounted. in bearings formed on top of cross frames C and D (see Fig. 2). The usual shaving knife 71 is attached to an extension of the carrier 70. The knife is of a length suflicient to engage all theribs cast within the plates concavity.

At the forward'end of the shaving knife is fixed a beveling tool 72. Opposite this bevelthe cross frames C and D.

and upon reachingagainst the pressure of a spring 101.

ing tool is located thecircular saw 73, which is'fast on the forward end of a saw spindle 74-, which operates in bearings formed in the knife carrier. This saw is caused to revolve at high rate of speed by a pinion 75, fast on the opposite end of the saw spindle. The pinion 75 meshes with an intermediate gear 76 mounted loosely on a bearing formed on the knife carrier. These two gears are driven through a large gear 77-, fast on one end of a shaft 78 operating in hearings in To the opposite end is made fast a bevelled gear '79 which meshes with a like gear 80, fast on the driving shaft 81.

To the forward end of the knife carrier is fast a worm gear 82 which is intermittently driven by a worm 83 loose on the driving shaft 81. V

In operation the saw revolves continuously at a high rate of speed while the knife carrier makes but one revolution for each cycle of operations.

The cast plate is held in axial alignment with the knife carrier by an arch 90,- Whose concavity is of the same radius as the curved plate to be finished. To permit the entrance of the plate within the arch one of the guideways 62' is made movable vertically. This movement of the guideway 62 is accomplished by a lifting mechanism consisting of two rock a ms 91 fast one on each rock shaft 92. The loose ends of the rock arms carry a connecting bar 93 which operates along a surface. formed on the underside of the guideway 62 7 I This guideway 62* operates in guides fast on the inner faces of the cross frames C and D. Y

When a plate is positioned on the guideways 62 and 62* and against the stops 6d, the operator lifts up on a rock lever 94 until the rock arms 91 are vertical, which causes the guldeway 62 to raise that side of' the cast plate up into finishing position within th arch 90.

As the cast plate may vary in circumference, owing to shrinkage or varying thickness in the matrix used, spring actuated plungers 95 are located in rechsses formed in the rock arms 91 beneath the bar 93 and the pivot bearings of the said bar are somewhat elongated to permit of the slight vertical operation necessary." (See Figs. Sand 13).

hand operated means for starting and automatic means for thereafter stopping after each cycle of operations are provided and consist of a sliding clutch jaw 100, mounted on the driving shaft 81. This clutch jaw is located so it will engage in corresponding jaws formed on one end of the worm 83. The sliding jaw 100 is held out of engagement also mounted on the driving shaft by an antifriction roller located in a channel in the .1 ,eeasae slide jaw. and mounted on the loose end ofa rock arm 102, which is pivotedonthe cross frame C. This rock arm carries one end of a square sliding rod 103 provided with a right angularextension 10%, which engages against a lug 105 formed on a cam plate 106 fast on the inner face of the worm gear 82.

The act of lifting the guideway through the rock handle 94. pivots a rock arm 10]? fast on the shaft 92 to which the handle fixed. The loose end of the rockarm 107 engages against a collar 10 8 fast on the slide rod 103, and advances the same so that its rightangular extension 10 1 moves out of engagement and under the lug 105, on the camplate106. This frees the rock lever 102 and permits the spring 101 to advance the sliding jaw 100 into engagement withthe jaws on the worm S3, whereupon the wormjcommences to revolve with the driving shaft and carries the worm gear through one revolution. Near the end of the revolution the slide rod. extension 10% is engaged by a bevel. camway 109, formed in front ,of the stop lug 105 on the cam plate 106 (see Figs. 14,15 and 16) and is pushed backwards and in frontof the advancing lug 105, which lug forces the clutch jaws out of engagement whereupon the cycle of operation ceases. i

In operation the saw first engages the plate in the operation of separatingthe riser from the type face portion of the cast plate. In doing this the saw cuts a groove. As the saw nears the end of its operation the shavin g knife commences its operation of smoothing off the interior ribs, thereby making the plate the proper thickness.

Simultaneously with the commencement of the shaving operationthe beveling tool enters the saw cut and starts the operation of beveling that end of the type face portion of the plate to the required angle No claim is made herein to the finishing mechanism by itself, as that forms the subject-matter of a divisional application, filed September 26, 1922, Serial No. 590,607.

Although I have illustrated and described only one form of the invention, I am aware of the fact that modifications can be made therein by any person skilled in the art Without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the claims. Therefore I do not wish to be limited to all the details of construction herein shown and described, but whatI do claim is 1. In a curved stereotype plate mold, the ron'ibination of a stationary vertical concave back, a horizontal core supported in frontof the backs concavity, matrix clamps carried by the core, and means for turning the core into the backs concavity and for thereafter moving the matrix clamps to form the straight side walls of the casting chamber.

2. In a stereotype plate mold, the combi nation of a back for receiving a imatrix, a

packing strip pivoted along the inside edge of the back and having an inwardly extending lip at its edge ed of adapted to be moved. outwardly from within for engaging the edge of the matrix over said lip and clamping it thereto.

In a mold for casting a curved stereotype printing plate, the combination with a concave back and a convex core therefor, said back having an angular recess along the edge thereof and provided with a substantially radial side, of a packing strip movably mounted in said recess, and means for engaging the outer surface of the pack ing strip andmoving it inwardly against the radial surface of the back and into casting position.

4/ In a mold for casting a curved stereotype printing plate, the combination with a concave back and a convex core therefor, saidback having an angular recess along the edge thereof and provided With a substantially radial side, of a packing strip movably mounted in said recess, means for engaging the outer surface of the packing strip and moving it inwardly against the radial surface of the back and into casting position, and means for clampingthe edge of the matrix against the edge of the packingstrip and for closing the straight edges of the mold, said packing strip having a lip projecting into the mold cavity for engaging the outer surface of the margin of the matrix whereby when the cast plate is moved out of the moldit will move the packing strip back outoffoperative position in said recess.

In a mold for casting a stereotype n'inting plate, the combination with a back and a core therefor, said back having a recess along the edge thereof, of a packing strip movably mounted in said recess, and means for engaging the outer surface of the packing strip and moving it inwardly against the surface of the back and into casting position, said packing strip having a lip projecting into the mold cavity for engaging the outer surface of the margin of the matrix whereby when the cast plate moved out of the mold it will move the packing strip back outof'operative position in said recess. I

6. In astereotype plate mold, the combination with a back and core, of a movable packing strip at the edge of the back having means for engaging the back of theedge of a matrix at the marginthereof, anda positioning finger outside the mold movable inwardly toward the ;mold cavity for engaging said packing strip and moving it into 7. In amold for making a stereotype printing plate, the combination with a back and a core, of a packing strip ,piyotally mounted along the edge o'fthe bacln'a slanting slid for engaging behind the b met e-redeemin fi was e he matrix, and a matrix clamp,

place.

same when the core is in moved inwardly toward the mold cavity and'having a point for engaging the back of the packing strip to swing it into position against the back, and means for slidably supporting said finger.

8. In a stereotype plate making apparatus, the combination of a castingback having means for holding a matrix, a core provided with matrix clamping and core locking bars, slides in said bars, and means for operating the slides to move the bars for the purpose set forth.

9. In a stereotype plate making apparatus, the combination of a casting back, a core provided with matrix clamping and core locking bars, slide-ways in said bars, slides movable along said slide-ways, rock levers connecting with said slides for operating them, and means for rocking the said levers for the purpose set forth.

10. In a stereotype plate making apparatus, the combination of a casting back and co-acting core, matrix clamping and core locking bars located on thecore, means for operating the bars, and means for locking the bar operating means. I

11. In a stereotype plate making apparatus, the combination of a casting back and co-acting core, matrix clamping and core locking bars located on the core, means for operating the bars, means for locking the operating means, and means for locking means.

12. In a curved stereotype plate making apparatus, the combination of a fixed concave casting back and a movable core, means for moving the core into the backs concavity to form a casting chamber, and means on the core for clamping it in that position, with means for locking the clamping means against operation when the core is moved out of the backs concavity.

13. In a curved stereotype plate making apparatus, the combination of a core provided with matrix clamping and core looking means, of means for locking the clamps in the open position as and for the purpose set forth.

14. In a mold for casting a stereotype printing plate, the combination with a back, of a core provided with means for clamping unlocking the a matrix to the backand locking the core to I the back, and means for locking said locking means in open position and for unlocking the closed position. o 15. In a stereotype plate makingapparatus, the combination ofa casting back and co-acting core, matrix clamping and corelocking bars located on the operating the bars, and a ing a curved end for ing handle. I i

16. In a stereotype plate making apparatus, th'ecombination of a casting back and co-acting core, matrix clamping and core core, a handle for spring latch havocklng the. bar operatlocking bars located on the core, a handle for operating the bars, and a spring latch having a curved end for locking the bar operating handle, said handle being movable with and also independently of the core, ary means for detaching said curved end from the handle.

17. In a mold for casting a stereotype printing plate, the combination with a back, of a core provided with means for clamping a matrix to the back and locking the core to the back, means for locking said locking means in open position and for unlocking the same when the core is in closed position, said means comprising a spring latch, a handle for operatingsaid locking means located in position to be engaged by the latchduring a portion of its travel, and stationary means 'in position to engage the latch as the core positlon and dlsengages moves up to closed it from the handle.

18. In a curved stereotype plate making apparatus, the combinat on of a casting chamber, a pouring sheet located therein, means for opening the casting chamber, and

'means coacting with a plate cast in said chamber for causing the pouring sheet to move vertically along and simultaneously with the cast plate, as the chamber starts to open for the purpose set forth.

19. In' a stereotype plate making apparatus, the combination of a casting chamber,

a pouring sheet located therein, means for opening the casting chamber to deliver a cast made therein, means co-acting with the cast plate for causing the pouring sheet to travel with and at the same time move lengthwise of the cast, and means for thereafter separating the pouring sheet from the cast and holdingit in position fora following casting operat on. I

20. In a curved stereotype plate making apparatus, having a back and a core forming a curved casting chamber therein between, the combination of a pouring sheet located in said casting chamber, meansfor opening the chamber, means on said pouring sheet to cause it to adhere to acast made in the chamber, when being opened, and means for separating the pouring sheet from the cast during said opening operation.

21; In a curved stereotype plate making apparatus, the combination of a concave back, a pouring sheet movably supported at the top of said back, a core movable in front of the backs cavity, means on the pouring sheet for causing 1t to travel with a stereotype plate while on the core, and means for and stationa ledge constituting a support for the bottom of the matrix, a pouring sheet located near its upper end for holding the top at said mairi 1. and means tor moving the pourin o; sheet away trom the bachs conca vity,

In a curved stereotype plate mold, the combination 0:! a vertical ha. a bottom ring pivoted at the lower end of said back. and .tOOli-OPGlfH-tfitl means for rocking said ring for the purpose set forth.

In a curved stereotype plate mold, the combination of a back. a ling pivoted at tl e bottom ol said back, and a ledge formed within the backs concavity for receiving the edge of the ring for the purpose seti orth.

In a stereotype plate making apparatus having: abaclr, the combination ot a piv-.

oted bottom member, a ledge tormei'l at the end of the back upon which the bottom member can rest, and movable means for positionin a .matrix upon said ledge. with means for moving; the matrix positioning; means out of position when the bottom member is seated on said. ledge.

26. In stereotype plate mold, the combination of a back. a horizontal core located in 'trcnt oi the back and movable into it. a bottom men'iber movably located within one end or the back, and a spring-actuated catch for holding the edge of a. matrix located in position to be moved out of operative position by said bottom member when it moves into casting position in the mold.

27. In a stereotype plate making am aratus, the combination of a back. a movable bottom member. a movable core, meansitor turning the end of the core on the bottom member. and means for operating the bottom member to turn the core away from the back.

28. In a curved stereotype plate making apparatus, the combination of a back. bottom ring pivoted within the backs concavity, a movable core. means tor turning the end of the core into the" ring, and means for operating the ring; to turn the core away from the back.

529. In a curved stereotype plate making apparatus, the combination of concave back. a movable core located in front of the baclrs concavity, tracks tor su iiportingthe core between which it may travel, and a rock arm pivoted to the end of the core for causing the core to turn as it travels.

30. A curved stereotype plate mold having a convex core provided with means along its straight sides for forming recesses just. be-

. neatli the riser as and for the purpose set torth.

3i. A curved stereotype plate mold having a convex core provided with means tor forming; recesses within the concave side edges of a stereotype plate cast thereon. and extending tothe straight edge of the plate as and for the purpose set forth.

In a curved ste'eotype plate making apparatus, the combination of a convex core, a finishing mechanism, means tor separating a cast plate from the core, means on the core tor forming recesses along its straight edges gnideways over which the cast plate can be moved from the core into the finishing mechanism, and means on the said guideways for engaging in said recesses for limiting the motion of the core.

In a stereotype plate nae-king appara tus, the combination of a core, a finishing mechanism. means on the core for forming recesses along its edges, guideways over which the cast plate canibe moved from the core into the finishin mechanism, and means on the said guideways tor engaging in said recesses for limiting the motion of the core.

34. In a stereotype plate making apparatus, the combination of a casting mechanism and a. finishing; mechanism. means for torming depressed ledges along the straight sides of a cast plate, means "for turning the castplate from the casting position and aligning it with the finishing mechanism, guideways over which the cast plate can be moved into the finishing: mechanism, and means on the guideways for engaging against the depressed ledg'es to stop and position the plate.

In a curved stereotype plate making machine having a casting and a finishing mechanism, guideways over which a curved stereotype plate can be moved from the casting to the finishing mechanism, and means on the said. guideways :tor arresting the movement of the plate in position to be finished by said finishing: mechanism.

36. In a curved stereotype plate making machine, a concave back, a convex core. and means at the end of the core for forming rccesses on the straight sides of a cast made between the said back and core, for the purpose set forth.

37. A curved stereotype plate making machine having a casting; and a finishing mechanism, said casting mechanism having means for casting a notch in each plate, guideways over which a curved stereotype plate can be moved from the casting" to the finishing mechanism, and means on the said guideways for engaging; in said notch and arresting the movement of the plate in finishing position.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature. I

CHARLES E. HOPKINS. 

